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SRINAGAR - Shops and businesses shut down yesterday in Indian-controlled Kashmir to protest an alleged abduction and rape that triggered two days of violent anti-India demonstrations. The protests kindled concerns of a return to the deadly street violence that has consumed the disputed Himalayan region in recent years. Police have barred public gatherings in Manzgam village, where thousands marched Friday and threw stones at law enforcement officers, who responded by swinging batons and firing tear gas, police said. At least five civilians and four officers were injured.

Latvia

Voters approve bid to oust Parliament RIGA - Latvians voted to sack their Parliament in a historic referendum yesterday as the country attempts to dismantle a culture of graft existing between politics and business. With more than 57 percent of ballots counted, 94.8 percent of voters supported the legislature’s dissolution, according to Central Election Commission data, setting the stage for a parliamentary election in September. Only a simple majority was needed to sack Parliament, regardless of voter turnout. Data showed that less than 45 percent of registered voters participated.

CHINA

Lightning causes fatal train crash BEIJING - A Chinese bullet train lost power after being struck by lightning yesterday and was hit from behind by another train, knocking two of its carriages off a bridge in eastern China, killing at least 32 people, state media reported. The official Xinhua News Agency said four cars on the second train also derailed, but it did not say how serious that was. Xinhua reported that at least 191 people were injured in the collision.